The Breakthrough Weekender 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) March 29, 2005 -- The record industry seems to have turned a corner recently. Profits are on the rise and sales are up even the City is making encouraging noises. Buoyed by the success of artists such as Keene and Snow Patrol in the huge US market A&R men are again out in force looking for the next big thing.

On 6-7th May 2005, Whitespider, one of the UK�s most exciting new production companies, will be presenting an event which will see 18 bands from across the UK being showcased over 2 days at one of the most prestigious venues in the country; Shepherds Bush Empire in London. The selected bands will perform 30-minute slots giving them a chance to shine for industry figures including A&R representatives, publishers, booking agents, producers and venue managers.

Unsigned and independently signed bands who attend the event will be invited to submit their music. Drop boxes will be located at the venue in order for bands to drop in demos or masters of their music for future showcases and music events.

With tickets at just �10, fans will be able to see 9 bands per day at one of the most exciting and new events in the UK. Tickets are available from the venue box office on 0870 771 2000 and online at www.ticketweb.co.uk. Tickets can also be obtained from the Carling Academy Islington box office. N1 Centre, 16 Parkfield Street, London, N1 0PS.

All profits from the event will be going to Live Aid, to support the charity�s 20th anniversary. The funds will aid those who are suffering from the Darfur Crisis in Sudan.

A launch party for the event will run on April 23rd 2005, at the Marquee Club, 1 Leicester Square, London. This very special, invite only event, will see the gathering of music celebrities, professionals and bands, all exposing the event and the bands performing.

Over 500 submissions from bands around the country have been sifted through since November 2004, with just 18 needed to perform the showcase. All bands picked to perform the showcase are Rock orientated guitar bands although many have fused other genres such as Blues, Electronica and Punk; surely genres to keep the thousands of fans attending musically aroused throughout the event.
Although some of the 18 have already been chosen, the full line-up will not be announced till Friday 8th April.

�When you have so many bands to choose from its almost impossible to narrow it down to just 18. Paul Brookes, founder and creator of Overplay.com has been a great help when finding great bands. We were looking for something new, something special.� Says James Brennan, Whitespider Music Programmer and former Director of the Fresh Sounds Group (http://www.fresh-sounds.co.uk)

Whitespider, who are renowned for their eclectic parties, full of visuals, d�cor and madness, are sure to make it a night to remember. Known for their acoustic areas in festivals such as the �raves in the caves� in Dorset, and the Whitespider club nights held in secret locations within forests around the UK.

With the success of Breakthrough 2004 and the expansion of the event to two days and a launch party, The Breakthrough Weekender 2005 aims to become a fixture in the music industry calendar; creating a platform for new bands to showcase their music to the A&R community.